PORTSMOUTH — Police arrested a Rochester woman last week for allegedly stealing approximately $80,000 while employed at a Port City law firm.

As a result, Desiree McLoughlin, 37, has been charged with two counts of theft by embezzlement and an additional count of theft by misapplication of property, all felonies.

The embezzlement charges allege McLoughlin attempted to "cook the books" of the law firm and then hide the theft, said Capt. Tim Brownell. The misapplication of funds charge alleges she stole money from clients that had their money held in escrow by the law firm.

McLoughlin turned herself into police on Friday, May 29, and has since been released on $50,000 personal recognizance bail.

Authorities say McLoughlin was cooperative during the eight-month long investigation. The name of the law firm she is alleged to have stolen from was not released by police due to victim confidentiality, according to Capt. Tim Brownell.

She is expected to be arraigned on the charges in Portsmouth District Court on June 22.